Father Paul Rowan (pictured) has been sacked from a university amid allegations of a relationship with a student, it is claimed

A Catholic priest has been sacked from a London university amid allegations he had a relationship with a 33-year-old student, it has been claimed

Father Paul Rowan was reportedly dismissed from his job as senior lecturer and programme director of theology and religious studies at St Mary's University, in Twickenham.

It came amid claims he had become close to undergraduate Charmaine Garton - a mother-of two - about two years ago.

According to the Sun on Sunday, Father Rowan is understood to be appealing against the decision, which was made in November.

But the 47-year-old is also due to face a church probe, it is claimed.

A church source told the Sun: 'There are employment proceedings taking place regarding his dismissal from the university. Once they are concluded his future will be determined by the church. It is a matter which will be taken very seriously.'

Father Rowan, from Warrington, Cheshire, is popular among students at the south west London university, according to the Sun.

One student is quoted as saying: 'He was easily the best lecturer I had at the university. He was very engaging and made the subject really great.'